September 13th I visited Nevada Bugs & Butterflies. I was really excited that they had many monarchs in their hoop house. Their hoop house is a garden covered by half circle pipes and then draped by netting. The netting keep the butterflies inside the garden.

Inside is a playground for butterflies

When I entered the hoop house I was amazed at how many different butterflies were inside. There are monarchs, buckeyes, cabbage whites, painted ladies, grey hairstreaks and thats just what my memory can recite.

The first thing I noticed where how young the butterflies were. I was told that they had just received about 60 painted ladies that were actively emerging from their chrysalis'. I posted a video on youtube of one of these butterflies emerging from its chrysalis. I was able to watch as its feet griped my finger while it allowed its newly formed wings expand into the fresh air. It was a first for me to be that close to a newly formed butterfly.

I am going to share images, videos and galleries below. It's almost to much information to describe everything that was going on in the butterfly hoop house. But I will expand on some of the images where I can.

In the video below I was able to use the SLO-MO on my new iPhone 5s to capture a monarch nectaring on a flower. The normally rapid wing flapping is slow enough to enjoy at the slower speed of the recording. Enjoy!

I really enjoy the next photo. Rarely is my camera work as good as it is with a bright blue butterfly on a bright yellow leaf. Only nature will allow me to compliment myself like this photo does. This butterfly was often seen flying around with similar butterflies inside the hoop house. While I don't think flocking is common among butterflies. I would say they were enjoying the company of their peers.

In the video below you will see a butterfly in the moments after it emerges from a chrysalis.

I was a bit concerned when I saw the butterfly fall from the feeder to the table below.

So I let the butterfly climb onto my fingers and hang on while the butterflies wings filled with its blood and grow stronger in the sunlight. I think the butterfly appreciated my help.

It was a really special moment to hold this brand new butterfly. If you ever get an opportunity like this you should participate. I feel I really got some hands on learning.

A new addition at Nevada Bugs & Butterflies is a pair of tortoises. Desert tortoises of course.